By David Oladimeji
The Nigerian maritime industry gathered in Lagos last week to celebrate a milestone that many stakeholders describe as one of the sector’s most impactful youth-development initiatives.
The Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY) marked its 10th anniversary with a colourful gathering of industry leaders, students, government officials and maritime professionals at the Mission to Seafarers Conference Hall in Apapa.
Beyond the fanfare and commemorative activities, the anniversary served as a moment of reflection on a decade-long journey that has connected thousands of young Nigerians with opportunities, mentorship and industry knowledge capable of shaping their future careers.
Delivering the welcome address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Platforms Communications, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, described the conference as a celebration of vision, persistence and the collective commitment of stakeholders who have supported the initiative since its inception in 2016.
According to Obasi, the 10th edition carried a deeper emotional significance as it was dedicated to the memories of four maritime leaders whom he described as champions of mentorship and youth development.
The conference honoured the late Engr. Olu Akinsoji, late Otunba Kunle Folarin, late Barrister Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi and late Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka with posthumous awards in recognition of their immense contributions to the industry.
As participants observed a minute of silence in honour of the departed icons, the atmosphere reflected not only gratitude for their legacies but also a renewed commitment to preserving the values they stood for—leadership, mentorship and service.
Speaking on the conference theme, “A Decade of AMSAY Conference: Eyes on the Horizon,” Obasi recounted the humble beginnings of the initiative, tracing its roots to a student programme he attended in 2014 at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
What struck him at the time was not the speeches delivered at the event, but the questions coming from students. Their concerns about career progression, cadetship opportunities, professional development and the future of the maritime industry revealed a gap that needed urgent attention.
Determined to bridge that gap, Obasi spent two years refining a concept that would eventually become “A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students,” a platform designed to connect students directly with accomplished professionals who could provide guidance, mentorship and practical industry insights.
Ten years later, that idea has grown into a nationally recognised conference that attracts participants from maritime institutions across Nigeria and has become a major platform for interaction between students and industry leaders.
Obasi explained that AMSAY Conference was founded on three strategic pillars—mentorship, succession planning and youth advocacy. Through these objectives, the conference has consistently promoted capacity building while encouraging students to envision themselves as future leaders of the maritime sector.
One of the programme’s most notable achievements has been its mentorship component. Over the years, hundreds of students have benefited from direct interactions with shipowners, maritime lawyers, regulators, freight forwarders, marine engineers and other professionals whose experiences have helped shape their career aspirations.
To further deepen its impact, Platforms Communications established the Maritime Career Mentoring Programme (M-CAMP), an initiative that provides specialised mentoring opportunities for students in different maritime disciplines, including maritime law, shipping, logistics, marine engineering, transportation management and nautical science.
The conference has also emerged as a strong voice for youth advocacy within the maritime industry, providing students and young professionals with a platform to express their concerns, discuss challenges and engage policymakers and stakeholders on issues affecting their future.
Adding their voice to the celebration, the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) commended Platforms Communications for sustaining the initiative over the past decade.
In a goodwill message, Mrs Hanatu Enwemadu who represented the association’s President, Chief Jean Chiazor-Anshere, SAN, described AMSAY Conference as a veritable platform for promoting maritime education, empowering students and preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles within the industry.
Also speaking while delivering the keynote speech, Captain Waredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, stressed that successful maritime nations build their industries on strong foundations, clear visions and robust institutions.
According to him, countries that succeed in the maritime sector establish long-term strategies with measurable objectives, invest heavily in port infrastructure, strengthen regulatory institutions and align their educational systems with global standards.
He challenged Nigeria to develop a clear maritime vision capable of attracting larger vessels, deepening port competitiveness and creating opportunities for indigenous operators and job opportunities for cadets and young seafarers.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, expressed concern over the declining opportunities available for young Nigerian seafarers despite growing interest in maritime careers.
Reflecting on his 54-year maritime journey, Ogbeifun lamented the shortage of vessels under the Nigerian flag, describing it as one of the greatest challenges confronting the industry’s future workforce.
“You cannot be a mariner or a seafarer without ships,” he said, noting that many graduates from maritime institutions are unable to complete their professional development due to the lack of sea-time opportunities.
He called on government agencies and stakeholders to support the revival of indigenous shipping companies capable of operating globally, arguing that such a move would provide career platforms for young seafarers and ensure continuity in the sector.
Also speaking, The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who was represented by the Director of Cabotage Services, Mrs. Gloria Anyasodo, delivered a special address on “Repositioning Cabotage Implementation in Nigeria: Prospects, Structural Constraints and Strategic Reform Imperatives.”
In the address, NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Cabotage regime through strategic reforms aimed at increasing indigenous participation in coastal shipping, addressing structural challenges and creating greater opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals and businesses.
Speaking in his Special Address entitled, “NSC Interventions At Reducing Cost Of Doing Business In Nigerian Ports”, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah who was represented at the event by the Assistant Director, Consumer Affairs, Mr Olufemi Omonayim stated that the Council strongly believed that the future of the maritime industry in Nigeria rest in the hands of the young and innovative people, hence the Council had continued to provide opportunities to students from maritime institutions, especially the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and young professionals to gain practical exposure to the industry through internships in industrial attachment, mentorship opportunities and stakeholders’ engagement.
According to him, “We consistently open our doors to young talents because we recognized that today’s students will become tomorrow’s regulators, ship owners, freight forwarders, Maritime lawyers, logistics experts policy makers and so on”, Akutah said.
He continued, “The maritime industry is changing rapidly, technology is transforming the way cargo moves across borders, trade is becoming more connected. The opportunities presented by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area are creating new opportunities for businesses across the continent. To take advantage of these opportunities, Nigeria needs a new generation of professionals who are knowledgeable, innovative, ethical and prepared to lead”, he said.
Also in goodwill messages, stakeholders commended Platforms Communications for sustaining the initiative for a decade.
Representing the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Gbolahan Adu encouraged students to actively participate in industry programmes and build valuable professional relationships. He noted that networking remains a critical tool for career advancement and assured the students of continued support from the association.
Similarly, the President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) Nigeria, represented by Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin, described the conference as a vital bridge between classroom learning and industry realities. She emphasised the need for continuous investment in youth development, gender inclusivity and capacity building, while encouraging students to remain innovative, disciplined and committed to lifelong learning.
Also speaking, Hajia Bola Muse, representing the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), praised AMSAY for its decade-long contribution to mentorship, networking and professional development. She noted that the future of the Nigerian maritime industry depends on the quality and preparedness of its young professionals and urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the conference.
The event also featured the presentation of prizes and awards to outstanding graduating maritime students from various institutions as well as winners of the 5th Fola Ojutalayo’s Annual Maritime Speech-Making Competition.
As the curtains fell on the anniversary celebration, the message from stakeholders was unmistakable: the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry depends largely on the quality of investments made in its youth today.
With a decade of achievements already recorded and growing support from across the industry, AMSAY appears set to remain a beacon of mentorship, empowerment and professional development for many years to come.
10 years of impact, growth, and purpose. The journey continues.